Page 32 of Paid for By the Bratva

"Surprise!" they chorus in unison, clearly having been waiting for our arrival.

"Uh…what are you doing here?" I stammer, taken aback by their sudden appearance. Beside me, I hear Lara sigh with disappointment.

"Didn't you get our messages?" Sofia asks, raising an eyebrow in query. "We're taking Lara out tonight! We want to welcome her into the family properly."

"Girls' night out!" Natalia chimes in, grinning widely.

"Your messages…" I trail off, realizing that I'd forgotten to check my phone earlier. A sinking feeling washes over me as I glance at Lara, whose expression mirrors my own disappointment.

"Come on, it'll be fun!" Natalia insists, reaching out to gently tug at Lara's arm. "Right, Lara?"

"Um, sure," she says hesitantly, casting a longing look in my direction.

And with that, our plans for the night come crashing down.

Chapter 11 - Lara

A heavy door creaks open as Sofia pushes it, letting us pass through first. I find myself transported into a different time, from an era bygone. We’re standing in a secret speakeasy, a dimly lit underground bar buzzing with life. Soft jazz plays in the corner from a live band and all around us, patrons are seated in low couches with high backs, their soft chatter filling the air in an undecipherable soft noise. I immediately note the distinct smell of alcohol in the air.

"Welcome to our little hideaway," Natalia says with a wink, her eyes scanning the room for familiar faces.

I feel my nerves knotting up inside me, acutely aware of the sisters' watchful gazes. Natalia seems to sense my unease and takes charge, guiding us toward the bar, whereas Sofia only asks polite questions and answers when spoken to. Without Natalia, I fear Sofia and I won’t have much to speak about.

"Three martinis, please, Martin," she tells the bartender, leaning forward with a warm smile. The drinks arrive quickly, and Natalia hands one to each of us before raising her glass. "To new relationships."

"To new relationships," Sofia echoes without a smile. I swallow hard, lifting my glass to join the toast.

“So, let’s get a table,” Natalia says, guiding us to a booth. We sit in silence for a few seconds, a strange tension between us.

"Enjoying your drink?" Natalia asks, breaking the silence with a gentle question that eases my mind just a bit.

"Very much so," I reply, offering a small smile in return.

“What were you and Dima planning on doing tonight, anyway?” Sofia asks. At that moment, I notice she and Natalia exchange glances.

What was that all about?

“Oh, nothing much,” I lie through my teeth, a strange heat spreading through me as the truth lingers in my mind. How should I say we were probably about to have sex? The unfulfilled desire courses through me again, and I find myself wishing he was here by my side to help me navigate this evening with his sisters.

I just pray I don’t do or say something wrong. I need to prove myself to these women, to show them that I'm worthy of being part of their family. And if that means enduring a few nerve-wracking moments in a speakeasy, then so be it.

After all, their acceptance would make my life here easier.

“So,” Sofia asks again. “What’s your routine like? Dima and yours?”

“Well,” I begin. “We usually have breakfast together nowadays. Earlier, we didn’t. But he’s began involving me in our family business.”

“Yes,” Sofia smiles thinly, her smile not reaching her eyes. “I heard about that.”

“Well, I think it’s wonderful,” Natalia gushes, reaching over and squeezing my hand. “Good to have some work to do.”

I might be wrong, but I see Sofia throw a death glare at Natalia. The music and laughter around me seem distant, muffled by my own racing thoughts.

Just then, Natalia notices our glasses are nearly empty. "Your favorite drinks?" Natalia interjects, seemingly attempting to ease the tension. "Mine's a mojito. How about you two?"

"Vodka soda," Sofia answers curtly, not taking her eyes off me.

"Um, I like a good margarita," I reply gratefully, relieved at the change in conversation.

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